This terrific early Cleveland DeLuxe is a barn find and a very innovative design. Designed by Carl Neracher, the Cleveland single shares quite a few features with his later, more famous design, the Ner-A-Car, which was the product of his experience designing and building the little Cleveland. The Cleveland Motorcycle Manufacturing Company was, naturally, based in Ohio, and was established in 1902 with an initial short run of De Dion-based singles; that initial run lasted until 1905, after which the company took a hiatus until 1915, when the Neracher-designed A series single was introduced. A rare two-stroke in a country enamored with F-head four-strokes designed by De Dion, the 221cc (13.5 CI) single-cylinder machine was very different and used a crankshaft rotating cross-wise in the chassis. The piston was a classic early deflector piston design, but the crankshaft was one-sided, with the crankpin and connecting rod hanging free in the crankcase while the flywheel filled the rest of the case—not a recipe for good crankcase filling and consequent two-stroke power, but that discovery had to wait another 50 years.

With the engine turned 90 degrees in its chassis, a 2-speed countershaft gearbox was bolted directly to the crankcase, from whence a the countershaft drove a worm gear that rotated the drive through another 90 degrees for a chain final drive and clutch (aft of the gearbox), while that shaft extended still further to drive the magneto. The Model A was a fascinating machine, with an unusual frame that split into two horizontal rails to carry the motor/gearbox unit, but was otherwise typical of the era, barring its extremely low center of gravity and saddle height. Like the later Ner-A-Car, the Model A proved extremely easy to ride and balance with its low build, and it was an ideal learner’s machine. The initial Model A used a torpedo-shaped fuel tank and egg-shaped oil tank, but from 1920, the design was updated with a classic flat-tank style. The engine capacity was increased to 269cc, and the all-up weight of the last of the line was 195 pounds. The light weight and ease of use made them ideal courier machines for the military, and during World War I, the little Cleveland saw extensive use in this capacity as a runabout and courier motorcycle, both in the U.S. and abroad.

This cool little 1920 Cleveland A2 DeLuxe is a barn find from the MC Collection. It still bears its original Swedish title from October 4, 1921, and it is an elegant and cleverly engineered lightweight motorcycle, a real rarity from the early years of the American industry.

† Your APR may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term, and your credit profile. Rate is quoted with AutoPay repayment discount, which is only available when you select AutoPay prior to loan funding. Rates under the invoicing option are 0.50% higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. If your auto loan application is approved, your credit profile will determine whether your loan will be unsecured or secured. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice.

* Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 2.19% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $287.26.

Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Mecum Auction does not verify, warrant or guarantee this information. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction.

Catalogs

Information found on the website is presented as advance information for the auction lot. Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Mecum Auction does not verify, warrant or guarantee this information. The lot and information presented at auction on the auction block supersedes any previous descriptions or information. Mecum is not responsible for information that may be changed or updated prior to the auction. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the lot at the auction site prior to the auction.